Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

by Britt

Published: December 11th, 2023

Photo credit: Nils Jacobi / Shutterstock.com

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real!

We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher.

Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture.

Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat.

What is the Point of Cat Trees?

If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed?

It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice?

Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

7 Different Types of Cat Furniture & Cat Trees

Whether you’re searching for an alternative to a traditional cat tree for your home or planning on incorporating multiple elements to create a cat paradise, the options are endless! Take a moment to look at the space available to work with. You will also need to consider your cat’s interests. For example, some cats enjoy climbing a sisal rope scratch post, while others won’t touch it.

In our home, we have one large cat tree that connects with a series of shelves, allowing our cats to move through the living room without stepping on the floor. This is set up to appeal to our cat Jinx’s love for sitting above everyone else, overlooking her surroundings.

Understanding the options will help you ensure that you are investing your hard-earned money into a product that is best suited for your cat’s needs.

Cat Beds

When someone mentions a cat bed, you likely think about a small fuzzy mat. But there are many different cat bed styles to choose from. As we have learned more about the preferences of cats, new options have emerged, such as covered cat beds, raised cat beds, and heated cat beds.

Cat Scratchers

One struggle many cat parents encounter is a cat’s need to scratch. When not provided with a positive outlet for this desire, they often resort to scratching our furniture or even our legs! Luckily, there are many cat scratchers to choose from, including basic scratch posts, cardboard scratchers, vertical scratchers, and wall-mounted scratchers. These are generally simple products with a single purpose – to provide a desirable place to scratch.

Cat Trees

These large pieces of furniture are called “trees” due to their size and the different “branches” or platforms they offer. They can range from simple cat trees with a singular central post featuring a few flat platforms to more elaborate cat tree structures with multiple posts, platforms, ladders, hammocks, hideouts, and attached toys.

Cat trees allow you to meet multiple needs all in one product. For example, if your cat likes to scratch and is seeking a comfortable place to watch over your home from an elevated bed or perch, that is easy to provide. However, they are large and require more space. Plus, the more elaborate they are, the more they will cost.

Cat Houses

A cat house is the perfect solution if your cat is searching for a place to hide out comfortably, like a small den. Houses are available for indoor and outdoor use, but the underlying goal remains the same… creating a cozy place where your cat can feel safe and secure.

Indoor cat houses may appear like a cube or small side table with a hole for your cat to enter, or they may be fully padded and machine washable, like a cat bed with a cover. Outdoor cat houses are usually more focused on structure, with a roof and solid walls that protect a cat from the elements.

Cat Condos

These pieces of cat furniture are best described as multiple cat houses or structures together in a single unit. Think of it like a condo building, allowing it to accommodate multiple cats with plenty of space for each to be comfortable. In addition to cat houses, your cat’s condo may include a platform to rest on, a built-in cat toy, or a scratcher along one side. This allows it to meet multiple needs, like a cat tree, without requiring as much room.

Cat Shelves

A fun twist on cat trees, cat shelves are a great way to give your cat a place to scratch, climb, and explore without needing the floor space required by a traditional cat tree. They are individual platforms, beds, condos, and other elements mounted on the wall. Not only does this take up less space in your home, but it opens the door for you to experiment and be creative with their placement, the paths you create, and the individual elements included in your cat’s setup.

You can purchase your cat shelves as a set, with multiple elements already paired up to create a wall or space. Alternatively, you can buy each element individually and piece them together. This means you can design your space as elaborate or budget-friendly as necessary, making it easy to customize.

Cat Window Perches

Like cat shelves, window perches offer your cat a place to relax and watch their environment – the big difference is that they are designed to provide a view indoors and out. There are two main types of window perch. The first is attached to the windowsill, extending it to provide enough space for your cat to lie down. The other uses suction cups to attach the perch to the window itself. This creates the perfect space for cats that love to bask in the sun.

Photo credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET / Shutterstock.com

Are Cats Happier with a Cat Tree?

Let’s get down to the most important question. While we established that a cat tree isn’t necessary, will purchasing cat furniture make your cat happier? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. This will largely depend on whether your current environment is set up to meet your cat’s needs.

If you don’t have space for a cat tree in your home, if it isn’t in the budget, or if you simply aren’t a fan of how one looks in your space, don’t stress! There are many other options for providing mental and physical stimulation. Consider any one of the cat furniture options mentioned above or incorporate multiple furniture elements to create a unique and one-of-a-kind kitty haven.

How Do I Choose the Best Cat Tree for My Cat?

When deciding on the best cat tree or other cat furniture options for your cat and your home, there are several factors to consider. This includes the size, style, material, and features they provide. Here are a few key elements that could impact your decision.

Budget

I highly recommend starting with a budget in mind. Many excellent budget-friendly options are on the market, so don’t worry that your budget may limit you from finding the best solution for your cat. Are you working with an incredibly tight budget? Companies like Furhaven have addressed this need with their Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House. It includes multiple hiding places, toys, and a cardboard scratcher, all built with corrugated cardboard to keep the cost down.

Size

Take a moment to look at the space available in your home. There are some impressively large cat furniture products available. On the other end of the spectrum, there are also products made to make the most out of limited space. This includes the height of the cat tree you select and the overall footprint.

Material

In addition to budget-friendly options made from cardboard, as we have already discussed, there are many other materials to choose from. Your choice of material will impact the appearance, function, and ease of cleaning. Wooden furniture is easy to clean with a damp cloth but limits the surfaces your cat can scratch without causing structural damage to the furniture. Cloth is an excellent option for creating portable furniture or hammocks, but it doesn’t provide the same longevity as a wooden cat tree.

The most common materials are carpet and sisal rope. These create a durable surface that can double as a scratching surface. However, these surfaces often collect dirt and cat hair, requiring regular cleaning. They also show wear and tear from scratching over time. Where possible, with carpet scratchers, opt for furniture and cat trees with removable covers for easier cleaning. This will also make updating and maintaining your cat furniture easier over time.

Style and Color

Like human furniture, the best cat furniture is both functional AND complements the décor of your home. A modern cat tree with sleek edges and a bold black and white color scheme will fit a different home design than a soft, fluffy tan carpet scratcher. This is the perfect opportunity to express your personality (and your cat’s).

Added Features

Finally, consider the different options available in terms of features. Some common elements you may find when shopping for cat furniture include:

Open beds and platforms
Enclosed condos and areas to hide
Sisal rope scratchers
Stairs or ramps leading to different levels
Hanging toys
Suspended hammocks

If your chosen cat furniture is missing one of the features your cat loves, consider pairing it with another product to meet that need. For example, if your favourite cat tree does not have an incorporated hammock, you can install a wall-mounted cat hammock accessible to your cat from one of the tree's platforms.

When to Replace Your Cat Tree

Pay careful attention to the condition of your cat’s furniture. Not only does wear and tear take away from the aesthetic appeal, but it can also create a safety risk. Watch for signs that surfaces like carpet and sisal rope are coming loose or coming off the furniture.

Final Thoughts – Is a Cat Tree Necessary?

The short answer is no. A cat tree is not necessary for your cat to live a long, happy, and fulfilled life. However, adding a cat tree or one of the many alternatives we discussed can provide mental and physical enrichment if they are not getting those elements in other aspects of their lives.

Introducing cat furniture could also help address problem behavior. For example, is your cat destroying your furniture by scratching it? You may be able to save your furniture by providing them with a positive outlet for their need to scratch.

With so many cat furniture options on the market, there is a product for everyone regardless of your budget, home décor, or your cat’s personality.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

Is Yawning Contagious Between Humans And Dogs? Study Says It Is

Many owners claim that when they yawn, their dog yawns, too. And now researchers have confirmed that they are right. Several studies have shown that dogs are more likely to yawn when their owners yawn. This phenomenon is called contagious yawning and is well-known among humans - you’ve probably done it yourself countless times. When we hear, see, or sometimes just think about yawning, many of us yawn. Now, research shows that our four-legged companions exhibit the same behavior.Studies done on humans show that people who catch a yawn from another person have better social skills. Researchers believe that contagious yawns show that we empathize with our fellow yawner. But does the same hold true for dogs?“It’s reasonable to assume that dogs who yawn when their owners do are more emotionally connected to them,” said Dr. Brian Hare, the founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center at Duke University. Adding that dogs understand us better than any other animal, including primates.In humans, contagious yawning has been considered a sign of empathy. However, researchers are still debating whether this phenomenon may be a sign of a connection between people and their canine companions. A University in Tokyo study found that dogs yawned twice as often after watching their owners yawn than after watching strangers yawn. This finding suggested that a social bond associated with empathy might be behind this behavior. Teresa Romero, an animal behavioral researcher who conducted the study, explained that contagious yawning may be a way for animals who live together to coordinate their activities. This behavior may be deeply rooted in canine history, considering that they have been living with humans for more than 15,000 years. The long relationship with humans may have given the dogs the necessary tools to empathize with us.However, later studies were unable to determine such a connection. A meta-analysis of 257 dogs didn’t find conclusive evidence that contagious yawning in dogs is associated with empathy or familiarity.  “There’s just no strong support for a direct connection between contagious yawning and empathy, despite the fact that the predictions are very intuitive,” explained Andrew Gullap, a psychology professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York.  Dr. Hare, who studied dog yawns at Duke Canine Cognition Center has discovered that only five percent of dogs yawn contagiously. However, his findings come from an online, at-home test called Dognition. This test asks the owners to watch their dogs just for two minutes to see if they’ll do a contagious yawn. On the other hand, all other dog yawn studies have watched the dog for as long as five minutes after their owner yawned to see whether they’ll yawn too.“I’m not against the idea that dogs yawn contagiously,” Dr. Hare admitted. “We are just having a hard time demonstrating it. It’s possible we’re doing (the yawn test) wrong. We are going to analyze the data and find out more.” Several studies have concluded that dogs can yawn contagiously when they see or hear a person yawn. However, scientists still haven’t figured out what contagious yawning means. Studying dog yawning is difficult because dogs can yawn for many reasons - some of which have nothing to do with seeing a human yawn. Dogs can yawn spontaneously, and let’s not forget that yawning can be a sign of stress in dogs. A dog’s stress levels may be heightened during laboratory experiments in which the dog is videotaped to see whether they’ll yawn or not, affecting results.Hopefully, scientists will find better ways to study contagious yawning in dogs and discover what this behavior means. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

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